Frequently Asked Questions
What is required if I want to become a member?
When a member decides to join, we ask for a commitment of at least 4 meetings (Joining for the year). Committing to membership means you will donate $100 (via e-transfer or cheque) to the group’s chosen charity, FOUR times throughout the year. Your donation per year is $400 total, and you will receive tax receipts from the charity we choose as a group.
What if I can’t make it to all four meetings?
You do not need to attend the meetings in person to be a member. You may still nominate charities, and send your $100 donation via e-transfer for that meeting. Sending your e-transfer donation keeps you in good standing even if you aren’t able to join.
Can I bring cash or cheque?
Yes. If you plan to bring cash, please bring it in an envelope that is clearly labeled with your name, address, email and phone number. This will ensure we are able to provide you a tax receipt. Cheques must be written out to the specific charity that we choose on the evening of the meeting.
Which organization(s) are eligible for consideration?
At this time, in order to be considered at a meeting, an organization must be based in and serve the Leeds and Grenville area and it must be a registered, not-for-profit or charitable organization able to provide tax receipts for donations. We are not considering nominations to national or international charities, programs, or organizations at this time, as the current focus is on contributing to our local community. It must also be previously established (no start-ups).
A charity can be nominated at each meeting as long is has not been a recipient of the group's donation in the past 2 years. The exception is a specific program within a large organization (for example, a specific department or program within a hospital), which may be considered again after one year for a different program or department. We will accept multiple charity nominations for the same charity. All approved and legitimate charity nominations will be eligible for the draw box on the night of the meeting; however, a charity will only be able to be drawn and brought to a vote with the membership once per meeting. One more exception: If a vote is split (as in, we give half donation to one charity, and half to another during one meeting), we will allow those charities to be re-submitted again after a 1 year period.
How is the organization that receives the group donation chosen at each meeting?
A member can submit the name of a local organization for nomination. At random, three organizations will be selected in advance of the meeting. The nominating members will be asked to come up and give a short, five minute presentation as to why the organization they are nominating should receive the donation, and then spend about two minutes for Q&A.
Any member can submit a charitable organization for consideration. Members can ask other members to present their charity on her behalf. Guests are not permitted to present.
Are Donations tax deductible?
Absolutely! Only registered, not-for-profit and charitable organizations will be sponsored by the group. If they cannot be sent electronically, tax receipts will be issued directly by the charitable organization, and they will be distributed from the charity via mail.
Can I just send the donation to the charity myself?
Because the goal is to make a large donation on behalf of the whole group, the answer is no. We want to be able to support this endeavor and give at least $10,000 at one time to make a large impact in our community - with each member's donation being part of the larger donation. This is the power of individuals united for a cause! We also need to be able to track your donations so that you get credit for the donation and remain an active, voting-eligible member of the group.
How much of my donation goes to administrative costs of running 100 women who care?
None of it! 100 Who Care 1000 Islands is organized and operated by a volunteer team. Everything else, from our meeting space to our advertising, has been generously sponsored. 100% of the money raised at our meetings goes directly to the selected organization.
How long do the meetings last?
Meetings are intended to be very short and will last no longer than 2 hours. There is a social component before we sit down to listen to presentations.
Can members bring a friend to the meeting?
Of course you can! We are always seeking philanthropic people to contribute their energy to the group. In order to vote, they would need to become a member before the meeting, but guests are free to observe and contribute a donation if they like.
Why do you need members' personal information?
We collect members' information (including name, address, and email address) strictly for the purpose of maintaining our membership list and assisting charitable organizations when creating individual tax receipts. We do not use lists for any other purposes and will not sell lists to any businesses, even if they are members of the organization.
Will you share my personal information?
100 Who Care will not sell, give, or otherwise share your personal information without your express consent, unless required by law.